The survey was conducted in July and reflects the first six months of 2003. Thirty-nine percent of the 795 individuals who responded to the poll said contributions had increased, compared with 28 percent for the same time period in 2002.

In addition, 35 percent of participants said contributions decreased during the first half of 2003, compared to 48 percent who reported decreased contributions in 2002.

"This is good news for nonprofits," said GuideStar's president and CEO, Robert G. Ottenhoff. "In contrast to last fall's results, participants who said contributions had increased outnumbered those who reported decreases. Because most charities receive the bulk of donations in November and December, this is a particularly encouraging trend."

The survey also found that 63 percent of respondents said they remain financially challenged because demand for their services has increased.

GuideStar plans to conduct a follow-up survey in October to determine whether the positive trend continued during the third quarter of 2003.